The Johnny Gaudreau era in Columbus might be shorter than anyone anticipated. After signing a blockbuster seven-year, $68.25 million deal in the 2022 offseason, it seemed the high-scoring winger was poised to revive a Blue Jackets franchise in desperate need of star power.
Things haven’t gone according to plan. Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe reports that Gaudreau has struggled with just 10 goals and 47 points this season. With five seasons remaining on his sizable $9.75 million AAV contract, the Blue Jackets could be looking to make a bold move this offseason.
Will Johnny Gaudreau be traded this offseason?
Dupont suggests that a new general manager in Columbus might explore dangling Gaudreau in the hopes of finding a trade partner, possibly even catering to a team of the winger’s preference. An expected $4.4 million salary cap increase in the 2024-25 season might aid the possibility, but trading Gaudreau still presents a massive challenge.
His declining production, full no-movement clause, and the potentially hefty salary retention required (or sweeteners like high draft picks or quality prospects) will make finding a taker difficult. The Blue Jackets will have to weigh the opportunity cost of holding onto a struggling asset versus potentially recouping something of value.
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